“It’s very important that we get this resolution in place so we can have it on the ballot on Aug. 5,” Cook said. “This represents $682,000 of our general fund budget, which is a little less than 8 percent of what we need to operate.”

Cook stressed the “non-homestead” nature of the proposal.

“When they hear ‘taxes,’ people get concerned because they think you’re raising taxes,” Cook said. “No. 1, this is a renewal so nobody has any increase of any kind.

“No. 2, none of this applies to primary residences or exempted properties like agriculture. … We have to try to make sure that people understand what it really involves.”

It is important the board acts early to make sure district voters are aware and informed, Cook said.

“We need to make sure that we get out in front of this thing,” Cook said. “In August, we have a lot of people that vacation, so we’re going to want to make sure that people do absentee ballots.”

The board is likely to take formal action to put the proposal on the August ballot during the April 21 regular meeting, Cook said.

“We’re very optimistic the Springport community will support this renewal because they have always been very supportive of our schools,” Cook said.